In the landscape design of the summer cottage, we use the Tatar maple
The Tatar maple is particularly resistant to the changing whims of nature. It easily tolerates drought, is not afraid of prolonged rains, frosts and strong winds. Therefore, the culture is often planted in city squares and parks. However, this does not mean that the Tatar maple will not take root in the territory of a country house. Let's take a closer look at a unique plant.
Modest long-liver without flaw
In its natural environment, it is found on the territory:
- eastern and central Europe;
- Asia Minor;
- Far Eastern part of Siberia.
The culture grows in deciduous forests, along river banks and along small slopes. Its age reaches 100 years, and with careful care, the term increases 2 times. Tatar maple is a tree up to 12 m high, or a spreading multi-stemmed shrub. It is also called blackened because of its unusual bark color.
The culture belongs to deciduous plants. The surface of its trunk and branches is covered with smooth gray-brown bark. It contains many subtle dark dents that crack over time. Thin, slightly pubescent branches, have raised scars and dark red buds. They are all covered with simple foliage, which is arranged in opposite order.
The edges of the plates can be solid or consist of 2-5 blades. They are oval or deltoid in shape. The length can be from 5 to 11 cm. The outer part of the leaf is colored deep green, and the back is slightly lighter. The veins are "decorated" with miniature villi. In autumn, the plates acquire a fiery red hue, after which they irrevocably "die".
In spring, among the lush greenery, white-green flowers with a scarlet tint appear. The diameter of the buds is maximum 8 mm. They exude a fragrant aroma, so they attract many insects, including bees. The flowers are kept on long stalks and are collected in a lush corymbose panicle. The flowering period lasts about 2-3 weeks.
The fruits of the Tatar maple are a miniature lionfish. It consists of 2 halves, each from 2 to 2.5 cm long. The plates are located at an acute angle and are colored green or deep red. In autumn they take on a brownish tone. Once fully ripe, the seeds remain on the tree throughout the season.
The plant blooms 14 days earlier than its "congeners", but blooms later than everyone else.
How to plant Tatar maple on the site
In order for the plant to take root in a new place, it is necessary to adhere to the agricultural technology of its cultivation. The same approach is applied to ornamental trees and shrubs. According to the scheme provided by specialists, the Tatar maple is planted on the site in early spring or late autumn. The main condition is the maturation of the buds or the complete fall of the foliage.
Seedlings are purchased in specialized stores or nurseries. The quality of the specimens is determined by the root system and the appearance of the buds. They should be free from damage, dry areas and rot.
Seat selection
Since the plant loves an abundance of sunlight, it is placed in open areas. In extreme cases, planted in partial shade. However, in such conditions, the color saturation of foliage and inflorescences is lost. It is desirable that the sun shine on the Tatar maple at least half a day.Place it at a distance of 3-4 m from fence, residential or utility building. If they plan to create a green alley, then they are planted with an interval of about 3 m.
Well and nutrient soil
In the spring, the planting hole is prepared in advance so that the soil warms up properly. Its depth should be in the range of 50-60 cm. And the width, about 70-80 cm. The main thing is that the hole corresponds to the size of the maple root system. If the site is dominated by clay soil and groundwater is close to the ground, drainage is used.
Any of the materials will do:
- gravel;
- fine crushed stone;
- pebbles;
- broken brick.
The layer thickness should be about 15-20 cm. In addition, the soil extracted from the pit is mixed with humus, turf soil, sand and compost. If necessary, apply complex mineral fertilizers. Such a composition will significantly accelerate the development of culture. In a few years, the height of the Tatar maple can reach two meters.
Next, the seedling is placed in a prepared funnel, trying to keep it upright. The root system is carefully straightened so that the young seedling gets enough valuable components from the soil. The resulting space is filled with earth, which is gradually compacted.
If the Tatar maple is planted for formation hedge, then the seedlings are placed from each other at a distance of 3-5 m.
Moisturizing after planting
Despite the unpretentiousness of the culture, immediately after planting, it needs abundant watering. Pour 20 liters of water under a young tree every day. When the top ball of earth dries up, it is thoroughly loosened. Thanks to this, the maple root system receives a sufficient amount of oxygen. To prevent moisture evaporation, the near-stem surface is covered with mulch or peat. Over the next 3-4 years, the seedling is fed with mineral fertilizers.
Caring for and attention to the plant
Everything that fills the earth indicates the unsurpassed love of the Creator. Likewise, people should treat their homesteads. When growing Tatar maple in the country, it is important to adhere to the recommendations of experts. Otherwise, the plant will quickly dry out or lose its unique decorative effect. The young crop is watered once a week. Adult specimens need 20 liters of water once a month. During a drought, the dose and frequency of irrigation are increased by analyzing the weather conditions. With heavy precipitation, watering is completely stopped.
Pruning
In early spring and late autumn, the tree is subjected to sanitary pruning. First, it is carefully examined, and then dry and damaged shoots are removed. The crown is formed at the beginning of summer. Thanks to this, maple will look stylish and attractive, taking its pride of place in the summer cottage.
Insect attack and preparation for winter
Unfortunately, the stately culture often suffers from pests. It is attacked by various sucking insects (aphids, scale insects, worms). Leaves infect ticks, caterpillars and sawflies. In the rhizome, the walnut lays the larvae. The seeds are destroyed by beetles. In addition, even with proper care, maple can infect powdery mildew or necrosis. To rid the tree of the disease, the foliage and branches are treated with chemicals that are freely sold in the store.
During the procedure, use special protective equipment:
- long cloak;
- respirator;
- glasses;
- gloves;
- Rubber Shoes.
All the fallen leaves are carefully raked up and, if possible, burned. With the onset of the cold season, young seedlings need additional shelter.
For business use:
- sawdust;
- a thick layer of mulch;
- ordinary burlap;
- dry foliage;
- coniferous spruce branches.
Any of these materials cover the near-stem area of the plant. An adult Tatar maple firmly tolerates low temperatures and does not need human "support". As you can see, the process of growing a crop consists of simple steps.First, choose a spacious open space. They dig a hole, fill the bottom with drainage. Next, carefully place the seedling, and fill the space with earth. Care is carried out according to the generally accepted scheme.